She went trick-or-treating as a washing machine. At school, she won third place at Trunk-Or-Treat. (Third? She was robbed. Just sayin'.)

This year, we are not even going to try to top the washing machine. Once you dress up as a washing machine, there are no greater heights to climb. Rest on your laurels. Drop the mic. Be a zombie this year.

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Alas, these questions fly in the face of Halloween logic. There is no why. And besides, ours is not to question why, ours is but to find a really big box and an oversized take-out container dome thingy that we can use as the window of the front loader. And then figure out how to keep one flap of the box up, so that it can serve as a control panel. Etc.

As for "No dryer?" Well, if she had gone as a washer-and-dryer, we would've needed two boxes, and that would've been a real pain to duct tape together.

What's that? Oh, you mean, why didn't she enlist a friend to go as the dryer? Sigh. You are totally missing the point of this costume. A washer AND a dryer is cute. Something that twins, or newlyweds, might do. But a washing machine alone? That is cute and funny.

And funny is awesome.

Keep in mind that any box-based costume is going to be bulky for trick-or-treating.(Photo11: Courtesy of Kelly-Jane Cotter)

For those of you ready to head to Staples and buy the biggest box available, caveat emptor. If you're planning to bring this costume to school or to a party, remember that it must fit into your car. And it won't, unless you drive a van or SUV or some other monstrosity. So, opt for the next size down.

Also keep in mind that your average box-based costume tends to be cumbersome. You're not going to be able to muscle in when everybody crowds around the basket of treats left out on the stoop by the neighbor who didn't feel like answering the door on Halloween, but didn't want to be a Grinch about it.

You will probably miss out on a few Reese's peanut butter cups and will have to take a Laffy Taffy instead. This so-called "candy" will yank out your molars if you try to eat it, but accept it graciously. Remember, you are an important household appliance. A durable good, some would say. Carry yourself with the dignity of the office.

On the other hand, when people do answer the door, you will be a big hit. Everyone loves a homemade costume, especially a funny one, especially a funny one that is worn with utter sincerity and lack of guile.

If you're looking to be trendy, rather than original, here's the list of top children's costumes for 2017 by the National Retail Federation. Note that it's a "super" year, with superheroes — both generic and specific — clogging the top 10: